Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common acquired disease of the central nervous system in young adults. Genes, the fundamental units of heredity, likely play a role in determining who is at risk for developing MS, how the disease progresses, and how someone responds to therapy. The goal of this study is to identify and characterize the repertoire of genes that may affect the risk of a person developing MS.

Recent technological advances together with a better understanding of the human genome are opening new and promising opportunities to unravel the genetic basis of MS. Our strategy for fueling gene discovery in MS relies on the meticulous scanning of the entire genome of patients, their relatives, and unrelated controls unaffected by the disease. Due to the complex nature of MS, a large number of participants are needed to accelerate discovery.

If you have been diagnosed with MS, have a family member diagnosed with MS, or are healthy and could serve as a control, you may be eligible to participate.

Participation in this study will take approximately three hours and will require a blood draw.

This is a nationwide study; participation does not require that you live near San Francisco, CA (except for healthy unrelated controls).

To participate in this study or to request additional information, please visit our study website, fill out this brief survey, or contact Stacy Hatcher at (415) 502-7202.